It shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.

The pause on the biggest of Trump's tariffs won't end this week, but the president continues to pledge steep new duties against major countries.

Trump set the Aug. 1 tariff rate -- far higher than the 10% duty imposed on Brazil on April 2 -- in a tariff letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, that vented anger over what he called the "Witch Hunt" trial of Lula's right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.